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July 02, 2009

A Tribute to Kelli

By Peter Laird, MD

Kelli Cussimonio is a person that few knew, but for those that did know her, she always had a special place in our hearts. Kelli was not only a fellow dialysis patient who often sat next to me at the unit, she was also the most special nurse I was ever privileged to work with. I didn’t know she even had renal disease until I went to do my fistula surgery and found out the Kelli had just completed hers. We spent the next few months comparing our “thrills” as our fistulas matured and compared notes on our declining renal function.

Kelli started her venture in dialysis a couple of months before I did but was able to continue working taking only the amount of time off needed to dialyze three times a week. I soon joined her in the unit and my most cherished days were when I was able to sit beside her and talk about the “good old days” when Kelli was my nurse. In this case, the good old days really were when it came to Kelli. My clinic was always busy and hectic and many nurses simply didn’t want to work with me due to my heavy case load. Yet Kelli was always willing to take up the tasks at hand without any complaint and always with a soft spoken smile.

Over time, the Lord blessed both Kelli and I with what I came to call my “Kelli days.” For the last two years that we worked together, every time Kelli drew the “short straw” to work with me for that day, I had so many no shows that these days were always peaceful, quiet and a day that we could both catch up on our duties. I didn’t realize until a few months ago that Kelli never had easy days unless she was working with me as well. I just figured God was being kind to Kelli and not me since I certainly did not have the calm disposition that we all knew Kelli had. As our kidney function declined and as our energy likewise declined, having a “Kelli Day” became a quite special gift to both of us.

I have never heard Kelli complain or be cross with anyone in the over 10 years that I worked with her and even more so as she sat near me in her own dialysis chair. This is even more remarkable in that Kelli should have had the right to complain about many things, not the least of which was her failing health. Yet in all of this, and all of her duties at work and as a single parent to her beautiful adopted daughter, Kelli’s determination and inner peace was always a source of encouragement to me and others as I went through my own trials at work and with my own renal disease.

Kelli recently passed away after a brief illness caused by an internal brain hemorrhage on June 30, 2009. It was a short life by usual standards cut off in the prime of her life. She was a loving mother, daughter, and sister. Kelli always gave her all to those that knew her. Kelli never wrote any books, nor was she known to those outside of her immediate circle of family and friends.

Nevertheless, Kelli is a person that always went out of her way to give of herself to her family and her friends. Kelli gave the gift of a loving life to a young girl who she took into her home and raised in an exceptional manner. It was always a joy to see them together. It had been my prayer nearly every day for the last two years that Kelli would be able to raise this child through high school and beyond. I was greatly saddened that Kelli will not be able to see the fruits of her labors with this child, yet then it occurred to me that the legacy that this soft spoken woman left for her child shall forever be with her. I know of no other person that showed such kindness, meekness and patience thus serving as the best example of a genuine Christian demeanor that I have ever encountered in this life. The altruism of Jesus shall be the manner in which I think of Kelli, always giving of herself and not asking for anything in return.

Kelli likewise wanted more than anything else to be able to see her daughter grow into adulthood. In such, Kelli has been on the renal transplant list for over two years. She diligently endured all of the many tests that are required by Kaiser and the UCLA transplant teams. Kelli took her medicines and did everything she could to live her life to continue giving to her daughter, her family and her friends. Yet tragically, a little over two weeks ago while visiting her sister to see the newest life brought into their family, she suffered what turned out to be a terminal brain hemorrhage. Instead of becoming a kidney transplant recipient, Kelli once again gave of herself another gift of life by becoming an organ donor when she no longer needed this earthly body.

I will miss Kelli while here on this side of eternity. I cherish all of the time that I spent with her at work and even more so as my fellow kidney dialyzor. Yet I will never forget the example she gave living and always giving of herself. It is my hope that her story may compel many to give the gift of life likewise as this quiet woman did to those that she never knew. Knowing Kelli, this would give her a big smile knowing that her sacrifice helped others, not only of her own flesh, but also those that may be motivated by her example.

May you rest in peace always Kelli. I miss you and will never forget you.

Comments

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I was deeply sadden to hear of Kelly's passing. I was a patient of hers and for so many years her warm beautiful smile touched my heart. She was always so kind and friendly. She always made me feel better no matter how nervous I was during my appointment. I loved sitting at her cubical, looking at all the beautiful poems and pictures she had. She would light up whenever we spoke of her adorable daughter. Some people pass thru our lives and touch us deeply,, Kelly was one of those people who touched mine. She will forever be in our hearts. Our prayers and deepest condolences to her family, friends, and coworkers. She will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Kelly.